:

    FOLDERS AND PAPER CONTROL

1.  Homework- include weekly homework assignment sheet stapled inside of the folder.  I use pocket folders.. one side for parent homework (notices, forms, etc) and the other side for student homework.

2.  Work Folders -  Each student is responsible for keeping his "office" neat, organized, and clean.  A pocket folder works best.  One side has a label for "complete work"; the other side for "incomplete work".  Before recess, lunch etc. they put incomplete work inside the folder.  Before leaving for home, all completed work is placed inside the "completed work" pocket and the folders are placed in a basket. I added labels/stickers to the completed work pocket that say, "I did my best!"

3.  Friday Folders - Pocket folders to carry home graded papers and projects.  This folder goes home only on Friday and returns on Monday.  There is one pocket dedicated to "parent homework."  In this side I put progress reports, notes, special announcements, district news, and my classroom newsletter.  

4.  Notebooks - Three ring binders - are used for poetry notebooks, journals, or writing centers.  I also put the dividers in the notebooks designating themes for poems, work in progress, to edit, or best piece.  The students take the notebook home at the end of the year. 

5.  Journals - spiral notebooks or paper stapled together.  Students also make their own journal covers from wallpaper scraps, cereal boxes, and whatever the teacher thinks is "good" trash.  The type of paper used inside of the journal will depend on the developmental age of the children as well as the type of journal.  I make a journal for each month of the school year using construction paper, cereal boxes, or oak tag.  The students decorate the covers based on the theme we are studying, the holiday, or a special event.  The journals are not graded.  The students turn in their journal at the end of the month.  I write notes in their journals, put stickers, draw happy faces, etc.  They love to receive the "graded" journals and special notes from their teacher.

6.  Baskets - I buy small baskets for students to keep their crayons, pencils, glue, scissors, or other "office" tools.  These slide into the desks.  Saves time in finding that pencil each day.  

7.  Tables -  If you are using tables rather than desks, several items can help in organizing supplies as well as ease in clean-up.  

       Plastic shoe boxes with lids - I use one box per table (about 4-5 students at each table).  On the top, I put a label, a different color for each table.  Inside of the box the students will find pencils, scissors, crayons, glue, or other items that they need on a daily basis.  One person from each table has the assigned job of getting their box for the day from the shelf, collecting used items before dismissal and returning all items to the box, and replacing the box on the shelf.

       Caddies - If you prefer to use caddies, (plastic carry totes), these work well for materials at a table.  The same process applies as to identification of the caddie for each group and the task of getting the caddy and returning it each day.

      Chair Pockets - These are pockets that hang over the student's chair.  They can be made from a variety of fabrics.  I have used scrap material, pillow cases, and burlap.  If you do not sew, a glue gun does work as well as "Stitch Witchery" that is ironed on the seams.  You will need to measure the chair and leave space for the seams.  Sew a pocket on the WRONG side.  Turn inside out.  I make a seam at the top of the fabric and feed strong yarn or string through this part to tie the chair pocket onto the seat.

       Work Baskets - Students can return their work folders to the work/paper basket placed on each table.  This works well for those who have work to complete later, using the table for more than one activity, and organization.

8.  Cubbies or areas for "mail"- If you do not have cubbies for students to keep their papers, supplies, or personal belongings, the world will not end.  There are other materials that can be used.

          Plastic hanging shoe storage - I bought several of these hanging shoe storage organizers at a discount store.  Each one has clear plastic covering the space.  These can be hung from a portable garment rack or hook in the room.  Get colored labels.  On each label, write the student's name.  Stick the label on the clear plastic on the shoe pocket.  Voila!  You can see if they have picked up their papers or notes home to parents.

         Cardboard shoe storage boxes - These work well and can be labeled with the student's names.  I usually have to buy two to three for my classroom depending on the number of students.  They stack well and take up little space.

Return to Classroom Management          Return to Back to School